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The Torah
instructs us to 'teach your children: as you sit at home, as you walk on
your way, when you lay down and when you rise up.' In short, our
children's spiritual well-being should always be foremost in our
consciousness. Even though I have taught many children of all ages, it
is still their parents who are the primary teachers: by example and by
what is said and not said in the home. I encourage parents to talk about
their values and spiritual beliefs with their children: it's OK to talk
about your own doubts and questions.
I think Jewish education should be fun. I love Hebrew and continue to
find it fascinating. I encourage my students to think critically; they
don't have to agree with everything, but at least have an understanding
of various viewpoints.
Adult Class in 2005
In Vancouver, I now teach children individually, and I find that the
teacher-student relationship is what tends to motivate my students to
learn. This means I need to find what reaches each one and tailor my
efforts to fit. I have students with whom I sing alot, others make
posters and create Jewish artifacts, others thrive on history, stories
and discussion, some enjoy tackling new Hebrew challenges and then
helping me lead a service using what they've learned.
I want my students to love being Jewish, knowing that later that love
will bring them to pursue their own education further.
I truly enjoy working with Bar/Bat Mitzvah families. There tends to be a
transformation in how the family members relate to one another as they
all prepare for this coming of age experience. Parents sometimes learn
that their child can lead them. Students can learn to take seriously
their position in the family and to self-discipline. Some of my B'nai
Mitzvah are members of Or Shalom and their ceremony takes place there.
Other families undertake to have a 'private' Bar/Bat Mitzvah: they
haven't been part of a congregation previously, and don't want to join
one just to facilitate the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. These experiences
have been intense and profound because of the extra effort involved. It
takes much more thought, planning and self-examination to create the
independent Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The results have been wonderful, both for
the families and myself.
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Last updated: September 4, 2008